A variety of delectable dining rooms

It's been awhile since I've posted some dining rooms. I've picked a handful of beautiful spaces in all different decorating styles, so hopefully atleast one strikes your fancy...

Love the table and mix n' match chairs in this Scandinavian beauty...
via Design Interiør


The salon-style wall and dark paint job makes this vintage-industrial dining room feel luxe.
via Scandinavian Chic

A beautiful country dining room
via Elle Decor

I'm a big modern retro fan, but I don't know if I could go this all-out modern retro...
via Alice in Designland

A cheery and bright vintage dining room
via Creamy Life

Even though this is an open floor plan layout, the dining room is still visually divided from the living room.
via Alice in Designland

A calm and serene dining room.
via House & Home

Which do you like best?

A potpourri of modern but cozy interiors

I've put together a little collection here of some interiors that I thought were modern, but still felt like home. They are peaceful, light-filled, and lovely. What do you think?



I like the shelf above the bed

a nice, bright work space

very french chic with an industrial twist


the rug is a bit much for me, but I like that this room isn't over-staged.




via Marie Claire Maison

Making industrial style furnishings work for you

So a reader wrote me recently with a great find - this industrial metal and leather chair - but she needed some inspiration on how to balance it in her space. So I've rounded up a collection of spaces that are either very industrial or nod to the industrial style, so she can get some ideas on how to successfully incorporate it into her space. Any ideas/tips for her?

Here is the chair

Industrial interiors are often characterized by minimalist decor, a cool palette - a lot of grays, and materials such as brick, stone, metal, and glass. I think the key here would be to introduce the chair in a room where one or all of these characteristics are present. It doesn't need to be completely industrial, but add a few industrial elements to balance out the chair. Whether it be a metal lamp, a steel file cabinet, or bare floors.


Plants and a gilt mirror cozy up this space.
via Willow Decor

This interior is very industrial and takes it's inspiration from a lab. There are lots of objects that could be paired with the chair to balance it in the space.
via Taddie Tales


The palette in this dining room is very industrial - browns and grays, which visually supports the metal industrial lighting fixture.
via Sarah's Fab Day

Metal bins and open shelves ad an industrial touch.
via Poppytalk

The chair would look great in this workspace decorated with old wire hangers and baskets.
via NSK Wood

The chair would also look at home behind this antique industrial table used as a desk.
via Great Oak Circle

via Frugal Mom


All of the above work spaces would be great fits for the chair.
two above via The New Victorian Ruralist

Metal lighting fixtures and an industrial cupboard used as a credenza - all in cool grays, create a factory atmosphere.
via The City Sage

This dining room is a good example of how to mix industrial furnishings in with other styles. The metal chairs and traditional wood pedestal table work together because decor is kept spare and minimal.



More environments where I could see the chair working.
4 above via Apartment Therapy

This space is not very industrial, but the minimal coffee table and bare floors would balance out the metal and leather of the chair.
via You've Got to See This

Any other ideas for Nikki?

Lovely, fresh Scandinavian homes

These homes really speak for themselves. Effortlessly chic and pretty.



The spine bookshelf really ads a modern look.

I like the striped bed!





via Skona Hem

Some great inspiration: Victorian Shabby Chic

Way too long ago a reader asked me for suggestions to create a "Victorian Shabby Chic" style. I'm ashamed that I'm just getting to it now - but better late than never?

Here's what she writes:
"...we are just starting major renovations on an old Victorian house (built in 1891). One of my challenges is that I don't want the house to be overly Victorian. We are retaining as many of the historical elements as we can (trim, doors, wood floors, etc.) but are making a lot of changes to make the house more suitable for today (adding bathrooms, making a master suite, etc.). The style I am going for is "shabby chic country Victorian", which is I think is a totally made up term that my friend and I came up with. I was wondering if you have any thoughts or images that may fit this "style".

Well, here are a few pics I pulled from my collection that I thought might just fit the bill...


via Vogue Living

The stool with the aged patina adds a "shabby" element to keep the space from being too "perfect" Victorian.

Gotta love the floor!
Two images above via Lonny Mag

via House to Home

via Boligtorvet

Here' another example of a "shabby" piece of furniture that will keep a space from looking too fluffy. I really like the look of a filing cabinet or locker mixed in with victorian furnishings.
via House Doctor

Mixing and matching throws and pillows on your seating will make the space cozier and "shabbier"

A modern chandelier like the one above is Victorian in shape, but the color and finish keeps the fixture from being too chintzy.

Victorian homes often feature gorgeous original wood architectural elements. If the wood is dark, a great way to brighten the space is to add a mirror with a bit of edge, like the one above

Use contrasting colors (like white chairs and a black table), to keep the space awake
four images above via Domino


via Country Living

via Living Etc



Do you have any tips for a "victorian shabby chic" look?